Your Guide to Northern Suburbs of Perth
Where are Perth’s northern suburbs?
Perth’s Sunset Coast is a stunning coastal region that stretches from Cottesloe to Two Rocks in Western Australia. Inland past the satellite city of Joondalup, including suburbs west and east of the main arterial transport route of the Mitchell Freeway and parallel train line, all the way to Yanchep. Perth’s northern beach coastal suburbs are part of the Sunset Coast however, the eastern suburbs of Ellenbrook and suburbs north of and near the town of Midland are also part of Perth’s northern suburbs. Because Perthites frequently holiday in Bali it’s often jokingly said to be Perth’s most northerly suburb.
Perth’s northern suburbs offer a diverse mix of stunning coastlines, serene parks, and vibrant attractions. Stretching from Cottesloe to Two Rocks, this region—often referred to as the Sunset Coast—is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, enjoy world-class marinas, or unwind with family, here’s everything you need to know about the key attractions, hidden gems, and must-visit spots in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Best Things to do in Perth’s Northern Suburbs
Hillarys Boat Harbour
A hub of activity, Hillarys Boat Harbour is perfect for families, tourists, and nature lovers. This bustling marina offers boutique shopping, a variety of restaurant dining, and exciting attractions like AQWA (The Aquarium of Western Australia), where you can explore the rich marine life off WA’s coast. It’s a place to stroll, dine, or even go on seasonal whale-watching tours. This lively precinct is great for shopping, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop. Families will love the safe swimming spots at Sorrento Beach, just steps away, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after a meal.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough beach is the most popular beach in Perth’s northern suburbs because it is one of the best beaches in Perth and because it has more Perth beach hotel accommodation than than any other Perth Beach, and because of the many good restaurants, bar/nightclubs. The new, only beachfront public swimming pool, Sunset Hill, skate bowl, surf, sexy hot eye candy and Scarborough Ampitheatre are all Scarborough attractions. Where is Scarborough Beach? Only 14.5 km northwest of the Perth CBD. What is the public transport to Scarborough Beach. Alight from the north bound train at Glendalough train station. Board one of many public busses heading west along Scarborough Beach Road.
Pinnaroo Valley and Hepburn Heights urban bushland
is only a few kilometres east along Hepburn Ave where you can see hundreds of tame kangaroos up close free-roaming in beautiful parklands, some with joeys in the pouch. The well muscled big buck kangaroos look like they’ve been working out at the big gym on the other side of Whitfords Ave from the Pinnaroo Valley. Best to start your walking tour up into Hepburn Heights after the heat of the day subsides. Bring a hat, camera to photograph birds and flora including spectacular Australian wildflowers in spring/early summer. From near the top of Hepburn Heights, with a telephoto lens you can photograph the Perth CBD. If you need a guide walk with Oscar and I at about 5pm.
Good Dog Walking Places
For good dog owners in Perth’s northern suburbs, taking your dog for a walk is good for you and your dog. In summer I take our white dog Oscar for a swim and dog walk at the Whitfords Dog Beach just north of Hillarys Boat Harbour. Though Oscar does not like water he gets so anxious that our dog swims and climbs on my head while I swim.
Oscar uses a quality dog harness and leash set from Pato’s online pet accessory sales local supplier in Perth.
Horse Riding in Perth’s Northern Suburbs
One of my good dads, Ian Parks (IM), taught me to ride horses when he was captain of the Western Australian polo team. In northern Wanaroo, there are guided tame horse rides for kids to ride for the first time on trail rides through the bush. Some horse riding trails lead down to Perth northern beaches. Horse riding is a great way to get kids off internet addiction.
My kids Perth horse riding video with cowboy music
Surfing Perth
One of my favourite things to do in Perth’s northern suburbs is surfing at Trigg Point. Because it is one of the best surf spots on the coast near and north of Perth, it is popular/crowded. Further north like near Two Rock can have bigger less crowded waves.
Photo of me, Ben Grummels, surfing at Trigg Point.
Fishing Perth
Fishing from or out of Perth’s northern beaches is a popular thing to do in Perth’s north. Between the coast and 3 Mile Reef the waves are smaller. I like kayak fishing because it’s easy and paddling sport gives me a bit of exercise. I haven’t got another world fishing record from the IGFA in Florida but fishing Perth northern waters sure is a healthy fun thing to do.
It’s best before the sea breeze. In the summer of 2025 I’ll be trailing my new, powerful, 24 volt electric outboar motor on a dingy.
Photo of good fisherman, Ian Guinea (Left) captained my game fishing boat at Aitutaki Cook Islands.
Cycling Perth
Cycling is one of the best things to do in Perth because:
- The flat northern suburb sandy plain makes cycling easy.
- Good cycling paths and trails along the Indian Ocean and around lake rides.
- There are many cycling clubs in Perth’s northern suburbs for social cycling.
Yanchep National Park
For nature enthusiasts, Yanchep National Park is a highlight. Explore peaceful walking trails, visit majestic caves, and observe native wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas lounging in their gum trees. Perfect for picnics or leisurely hikes, it’s an escape into Western Australia’s rugged beauty.
Lake Joondalup
The 16-kilometer Lake Joondalup Circuit offers a scenic and family-friendly path within the northern section of Yellagonga Regional Park. This well-maintained trail loops around Lake Joondalup, providing hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers with stunning views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the area is home to an array of native species, including turtles, ducks, and a variety of birdlife. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll or an adventurous ride, this picturesque trail combines natural beauty with the chance to encounter local wildlife up close.
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens
If you’re after a quiet retreat, the award-winning Wanneroo Botanic Gardens at the northern end of Lake Joondalup is an excellent choice. Wander through breathtaking gardens or enjoy fun for the whole family with their mini-golf course. Bring a picnic or bask in the serenity of one of Perth’s most peaceful spots.
Sample Itineraries for Northern Suburb Visitors
Family Fun Day
- Morning swim at a Northern Suburbs beach: Start your day early before the sea breeze with breakfast at a Scarborough Beach restaurant and a swim at Scarborough Beach or a surf at Trigg Beach. SWIM BETWEEN THE YELLOW and RED FLAGS. Wave and shout for help if drowning. In the first half of summer, the sea breeze (known as the Fremantle Doctor) blows strong and early. For fit people, you’ll be wind assisted for a 1 hour and 50 minute walk past a spectacularly beautiful West Coast of Australia coast line of the Marmion Marine Park.
- Lunch: at Hillarys Boat Harbour by the marina, followed by a trip to AQWA to see fascinating Indian Ocean marine life.
- Afternoon: Head to Yanchep National Park for a family hike or koala spotting. Alternatively closer to Hillarys Boat Harbour is a bushwalking tour of the Hepburn Heights Conservation Area and down into the Pinneroo Valley to see birds, trees and hundreds of tame Kangaroos up close, some with joeys in their mother kangaroo pouch. All year round see lots of plastic flowers in the beautiful garden cemetery and in Spring see lots of beautiful Australian wildflowers.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly Perth Restaurant such as the highly recommended Suree’s Thai Restaurant in Perth’s northern suburb of Kingsley.
Nature Lover’s Northern Retreat
- Morning: Breakfast at Clarko Reserve or the smaller Granny’s Pool, both with free BBQ facilities. A walk along the coast looking down on many small beaches like Mettams Pool makes a nice 1 hr 30 min (6.6 km) walk from Tigg Beach to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Then drive north to begin with a nature walk through Yanchep National Park, taking in the beautiful flora and fauna.
- Afternoon: Head lakeside to free BBQ facilities on the west side of Lake Joondalup or pack a picnic lunch to the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens for tranquillity and lush surroundings.
- Evening: Drive 188 km north along the Indian Ocean Drive to The Pinnacles Desert for a sunset tour and witness the mesmerising limestone formations.
Tourist Delights
- Morning: Explore Hillarys Boat Harbour and join a whale-watching tour (seasonal) or book a Perth fishing charter boat for a day of fishing way out in the Indian Ocean near Rottnest Island.
- Afternoon: After lunch at Sorrento Quay Boardwalk, relax by the beach or take a scenic coastal walk nearby.
- Evening: Wind down with fine dining at one of Hillarys’ luxurious restaurants with sweeping ocean views.
Local Northern Suburb
Gems
- Lagoon Beach, Yanchep: Skip the crowds and relax at this hidden gem, a quiet spot for calm water swimming, protected from waves in the Yanchep lagoon. Enjoy a picnic near Yanchep lagoon. Escape the main paths for lesser-known walking trails that promise a serene encounter with native wildlife.
- Sunrise Strolls at Hillarys: An early morning walk along the marina offers a peaceful start to your day, complete with stunning views of fishermen heading out to sea.
- In Lancilin:
- Sandboarding down huge sand dunes is a popular free northern suburbs thing to do.
- Dune buggy hire is a fun thing for kids to do north of Perth.
- Popular kitesurfing spot. If you can’t kitesurf get lessons or watch this spectacular water sport at Lancilin or closer to Perth at Pinneroo Point.
Northern Suburb Perth Beach Hotel Accommodation Options
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an extended stay, Perth’s northern suburbs offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs.
- Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough – The biggest beachfront hotel in the heart of the Sunset Coast combining luxury and convenience, located within easy reach of key Scarborough Beach attractions.
- Yanchep Beach Lagoon Holiday Park – A family-friendly spot offering camping and cabin options near the picturesque Yanchep Lagoon.
- Scarborough Luxury Apartments – Stylish beachfront apartments perfect for comfort and ocean sunsets.
- Sorrento Beach Hotel – A good beachfront hotel in Perth near Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Northern Suburb Businesses
Following is a list of recommended northern suburb business services.
Northern Suburb Restaurants
- See a list of Scarborough Beach restaurants.
- Fish and Chips on the sand dune at Trigg Beach’s Canteen Restaurant.
- Suree’s Perth Thai Restaurant 5 km east of Hillarys Boat Harbour along Hepburn Avenue.
Northern Suburb Cafes
- Cove Coffe Perth
- Yellow North Beach
- Sistas Burns beachfront cafe & restaurant
Perth Northern Suburb Medical Services
FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKETING IN PERTH
Get the best car loans near Wangara car dealers from the best finance broker in Perth’s northern suburbs. Just because you’re buying a car from a Perth car dealer, does not mean you need to accept their car loan sales pitch.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TRADIES
Tradie handyman building maintenance services, Perth northern suburbs
Commercial roofing services in Perth northern suburbs.
Second story home extensions building company Perth north.
TV aerial repair and TV aerial installation services Perth. Northern suburbs.
Brikie Pat’s bricklaying service in Perth’s northern suburbs
Perth Office Fitouts for full-height office partitions made in Perth, for sale at tax-deductible, affordable prices.
Other North Metro Services:
Jamie is a good local gardener in Perth‘s northern suburbs.
TV antenna repairing service Perth north.
If you’re moving from Perth southern suburbs to Perth’s northern suburbs then Phone Richard of WA Container Services on 08 9493 5166 for an affordable price quote to drop off a sea container for you to lock, for him to collect, store securely if you want and then deliver to your new home/office in Perth’s northern suburbs when you’re ready.
Emergency 24 hour service electrician in Perth‘s northern suburbs.
Plan Your Visit to Perth’s Northern Suburbs Today
Whether you’re a family exploring attractions, a tourist eager to experience coastal beauty, or a nature lover seeking peaceful retreats, Perth’s northern suburbs have something magical to offer. Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local delights in one of WA’s most scenic regions.